Sub-surface irrigation system and method

ABSTRACT

An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to irrigation systems and, moreparticularly, to a sub-surface irrigation system having a set ofmultiple longitudinal perforated tubing members connected by a set ofcross members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Irrigation systems that supply water to grass landscape areas by meansof irrigation pipes and sprinklers (such as pop-up or impact sprinklers)are well known. However, above-ground water application presentsproblems, even when the above-ground system is functioning properly. Itis recognized that a large portion of the water supplied by sprinklersis not delivered to the root zone, but is lost to evaporation, oversprayor run off.

Above-ground water application has other problems, also. Buildings,cars, and outdoor furniture may be damaged or spotted by overspray. Thelawn is not usable when the sprinklers are running. Freezingtemperatures may damage the sprinkler heads or irrigation pipes.

Additionally, above-ground systems are easily damaged. Sprinkler headsand/or pipes may be broken by children, workers, vehicles, freezingtemperatures, lawn mowers, blade/string trimmers, lawn edgers, or thelike. Breakage or damage can result in significant water loss until thesprinkler head and/or pipe is repaired.

To address these problems of above-ground systems, underground orsub-surface systems have been developed. However, the availablesub-surface systems are not easily adaptable to irregular or non-uniformlandscape formats. Conventional sub-surface irrigation systems may beadequate for rectangular lawns, but very few lawns are exactlyrectangular. Instead, most lawns are irregular in shape or have at leastone irregular portion. Examples of irregularly shaped areas include asmall grassy area between a pool and a wall, a narrow strip of grassbetween a sidewalk and a street, contoured areas of a golf course, andnarrow strips of grass separating rows of car parking spaces in largeparking lots. Currently available irrigation systems lack theadaptability to adequately address these varied shapes in acost-effective manner.

Accordingly, there is a need for a sub-surface irrigation system andmethod that can provide water to both large and small landscape areas,while being adjustable and adaptable to the irregular landscape shapesand contours of any grassy area. The shape and contour of a grassy areais referred to generally herein as the “landscape format.”

The discussion above is merely provided for general backgroundinformation and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an irrigation system and methodthat includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members andmultiple lateral cross members. Each tubing segment of the set oflongitudinal perforated tubing members has a tubing proximal endattached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having atubing distal end attached or attachable to a distal lateral fluidconduit. Methods of adapting the set of longitudinal perforated tubingmembers to a particular landscape format are presented, includingshortening portions of one or more longitudinal perforated tubingmembers and fluid conduits, terminating cut tubing members and fluidconduits, and connecting multiple sets of longitudinal perforated tubingmembers.

Two types of cross members that connect the longitudinal perforatedtubing members are provided. The first type of cross member is a lateralspacer that holds each of the perforated tubing members in position; thespacers do not conduct fluid. The second type of cross member is a setof lateral perforated tubing members, each of which has both a first endand a second end attached to the same longitudinal fluid conduit; thelateral perforated tubing members are interwoven with the longitudinalperforated tubing members in a woven mesh style to form a grid-likepattern of fluid conducting and exuding tubing. A particular length ofthe longitudinal perforated tubing members forming a grid-like patternwith a particular width of the spacer-type cross members (spacer/tubingarray) or the tubing-type cross members (tubing/tubing array) will bereferred to as a “tubing grid.”

A pre-determined length of the tubing grid may be purchased, but oftenthe shape of the area to be watered (the “landscape format”) does notcorrespond precisely to the shape of the tubing grid. The longitudinalperforated tubing members, any spacers, any lateral perforated tubingmembers, and/or the lateral fluid conduits may be cut to accommodate theshape of a particular landscape format. Additional lateral andlongitudinal fluid conduits may be added with additional sections oftubing grid. Methods of modifying (cutting, joining or ending) thetubing grid and lateral and longitudinal fluid conduits are provided,along with methods of utilizing the other various elements of theirrigation system. This allows the irrigation system presented herein tobe adapted to any landscape format. A section of one or more tubinggrids along with the other connected elements that are needed toconfigure the one or more tubing grids to fit to a particular landscapeformat will be termed the “conformed irrigation unit.”

After creation of the conformed irrigation unit, a water supply isattached to one of the fluid conduits and the conformed irrigation unitis buried below the surface of the ground.

An object of the present invention is to provide an easily modifiableirrigation system that can be customized to fit any landscape format,from multi-acre sized lawns to six-inch strips of grass.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide asub-surface irrigation system that reduces water waste throughoverspray, runoff and evaporation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sub-surfaceirrigation system that is robust and requires very little maintenance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sub-surfaceirrigation system that is easy to install.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide asub-surface irrigation system that is not susceptible to freezing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sub-surfaceirrigation system that allows usage of the grassy area concurrently withthe application of water through the sub-surface irrigation system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sub-surfaceirrigation system that can be used in grassy areas of: (1.) residentialareas, including lawns of single family homes, common areas of townhomesand condo associations, and sidewalk landscaping; (2.) commercialbusinesses, including office buildings, shopping centers, governmentestablishments and campgrounds; and (3.) recreational areas, includingparks, golf courses and playgrounds.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate andnot to limit the invention, where like designations denote likeelements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conformed irrigation unit of the firstembodiment of the irrigation system 10 of the present invention shownadapted to fit a particular landscape format in the environment of use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roll 13 of the first embodiment of theirrigation system 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the area at which the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 connects to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60, showingconduit apertures 38 within proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 into whichan insertable connector 30 can be inserted.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the area at which the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 connects to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60, showinginsertable connectors 30 inserted into the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 with one attached longitudinal perforated tubing member 80.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of the area at which the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 connects to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60, showingintegral connectors 30 that are formed unitarily with proximal lateralfluid conduit 20 and showing one attached longitudinal perforated tubingmember 80.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of a portion of a first aspect of spacer 90 withone longitudinal perforated tubing member 80 ready for insertion intoone of the partial-circular channels 95 of the spacer 90.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of a second aspect of spacer 90with one longitudinal perforated tubing member 80 ready for insertioninto one of the partial-circular channels 95 of the spacer 90.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of the second aspect of spacer 90with one longitudinal perforated tubing member 80 inserted into one ofthe partial-circular channels 95 of the spacer 90.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a roll 13 of the second embodiment ofthe irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a conformed irrigation unit 11incorporating four tubing grids (with four sets of longitudinalperforated tubing members 80) of the second embodiment of the irrigationsystem of the present invention shown adapted to fit a specificlandscape format.

FIG. 11 is a detail view taken from circle 11 of FIG. 10 showing joiningand ending mechanisms and methods.

FIG. 12 is a detail view taken from circle 12 of FIG. 10 showing theattachment points of tubing proximal ends 81 of the longitudinalperforated tubing members 80 and showing the attachment points of thelateral tubing first ends 101 and lateral tubing second ends 102 oflateral perforated tubing members 100.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a third embodiment of the sub-surface irrigationsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of the sub-surfaceirrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of the sub-surface irrigationsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a 45-degree 3-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a 30-60-degree 3-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a 20-30-degree 3-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a 15-15-degree convex connector for use withthe sub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a 15-15-degree concave connector for use withthe sub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a 45-degree 4-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a top view of a 30-60-degree 4-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a 20-30-degree 4-way connector for use with thesub-surface irrigation system of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward asub-surface irrigation system and to methods of installation and use ofthe sub-surface irrigation system. The sub-surface irrigation system,shown generally as reference number 10, is easy to install and to adaptto any landscape format while providing the advantages of an undergroundsystem.

Multiple embodiments of the sub-surface irrigation system 10 arepresented. In general, the embodiments include multiple longitudinalperforated tubing members 80 that have a proximal end 81 fluidlyconnected to a proximal lateral fluid conduit 20. The proximal lateralfluid conduit 20 is fluidly connected to a longitudinal fluid conduit 60that is, in turn, fluidly connected to a distal lateral fluid conduit40. The distal ends 89 of the multiple longitudinal perforated tubingmembers 80 are fluidly connected to this distal lateral fluid conduit40. One of the fluid conduits (lateral fluid conduits 20, 40 orlongitudinal fluid conduit 60) is connected to a water source, whichfeeds water into the other two of the three conduits 20, 40, 60. Wateris supplied to each of the multiple longitudinal perforated tubingmembers 80 through both the proximal end 81 (attached to proximallateral fluid conduit 20) and distal end 89 (attached to distal lateralfluid conduit 40). This redundancy increases the efficiency andlong-term usage of the system. For example, in the event that a point onone of the buried tubing members 80 becomes clogged or blocked, becausethe water is supplied from both the proximal end 81 and the distal end89 up to the point of blockage, the water delivered to the landscapewill not be reduced.

The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-8. Inthe first embodiment, the multiple longitudinal perforated tubingmembers 80 are held generally parallel by means of multiplecross-members (spacers 90). The spacers 90 are aligned generallyperpendicularly to the tubing members 80 in a tubing/spacer array thatforms a grid-like organizational pattern or tubing grid. Both themultiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 and the spacers 90may be manually cut as needed in conforming the irrigation system 10 tothe landscape format of the area to be watered. The spacers 90 areconfigured to allow manual insertion and removal of portions of thetubing members 80, as may be needed when the elements of the irrigationsystem 10 are conformed to the shape of the landscape format. Therefore,preferably the spacers 90 do not lock the tubing members 80 in place,but lightly restrain each of the tubing members 80. However, spacers 90that securely hold the tubing members 80 in place are within the scopeof the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application of the irrigation system 10in which the irrigation system 10 is used in a narrow grassy area, suchas between a sidewalk and street, creating a short, narrow landscapeformat. This landscape format is defined by lawn edging 19, which isshown surrounding grass 18. Various elements of the irrigation system 10of the present invention are adapted to fit this particular narrowlandscape format, thus forming a first exemplary conformed irrigationunit 11.

In the conformed irrigation unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, the first end 21 ofproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 is connected to a water supply sourcethrough waterline 16 via a waterline-to-system connector 15. Thewaterline-to-system connector 15 that is shown in FIG. 1 is a three-wayconnector, so it serves to connect the proximal lateral fluid conduit 20to both the waterline 16 and the longitudinal fluid conduit 60.Therefore, in this example, the waterline-to-system connector 15 alsoserves as a first lateral-to-longitudinal connector 35 (FIG. 13);however, other conventional types of waterline-to-system connectors 15and various conventional types of separate first lateral-to-longitudinalconnector are within the scope of the invention.

The longitudinal fluid conduit 60 is connected to the distal lateralfluid conduit 40 via a second lateral-to-longitudinal connector 75. Thedistal lateral fluid conduit 40 terminates via a distal lateral terminalfitting 45, which in the conformed irrigation unit 11 of FIG. 1 is anend cap, but may alternatively be a fluid-conducting fitting when theirrigation systems 10 is adapted to other landscape formats. Similarly,the second end 29 of proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 is shown in FIG.1 as terminating in a proximal lateral terminal fitting 25, but mayalternatively be a fluid-conducting fitting when the irrigation systems10 is adapted to other landscape formats.

Various other types of connectors may also be used for the proximallateral terminal fitting 25 and the distal lateral terminal fitting 45,as needed to accommodate other landscape formats. For example, if thelandscape format is wider than the width of the available providedsection of the irrigation system, two sections may need to be joined, soa second distal lateral fluid conduit 40 may be fluidly connected to thefirst distal lateral fluid conduit 40 and a second proximal lateralfluid conduit 20 may be fluidly connected to the first proximal lateralfluid conduit 20, thereby increasing the width of the conformedirrigation unit 11. In this case, the lateral terminal fittings 25, 45would both be fluid-conducting fittings. In a second example, if thelandscape format is longer than the length of the available irrigationsystem section, two sections may need to be joined longitudinally byadding a second longitudinal fluid conduit 60 (FIG. 10).

As seen in FIG. 1, the proximal ends 81 of the multiple longitudinalperforated tubing members 80 are fluidly connected to the proximallateral fluid conduit 20, and the distal ends 89 of the multiplelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80 are fluidly connected to thedistal lateral fluid conduit 40. The tubing proximal ends 81 and distalends 89 may be connected to the proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 anddistal lateral fluid conduit 40, respectively, via a tubing connector30, which may be an insertable connector or an integral connector. Thetubing connector 30 may be insertable into conduit aperture 38, as shownin the detail of FIGS. 3-4. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 5, the tubingconnector 30 may be an integral connector which is formed integrallywith the proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and/or the distal lateralfluid conduit 40.

Each of the multiple spacers 90 has a spacer first end 91 and a spacersecond end 99. Each of the spacers 90 has multiple straight portions 92(FIGS. 6-8) interspersed with multiple partial-circular channels 95(FIGS. 6-8). Each of the partial-circular channels 95 is sized andconfigured to allow the insertion of a portion of one of the multiplelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80.

As seen in FIG. 1, when the irrigation system 10 is in the environmentof use, the spacers 90 preferably extend somewhat beyond the first oneof the multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 (spacer firstend 91 ending short of the longitudinal fluid conduit 60) to beyond thelast one of the multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80(spacer second end 99 ending short of the left lower lawn-edging 19).Though the spacers 90 are illustrated as ending just short of thelongitudinal fluid conduit 60, they may optionally be attached toconduit 60 for stability. Typically, some or all of the spacers 90 andthe multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 will need to becut to achieve the required length and/or width needed to cause thetubing grid to fit the landscape format. The longitudinal distancebetween each of the spacers 90 may vary, but preferably the distancebetween adjacent spacers 90 may be in the range of 6 inches to 10 feet.Because the spacers 90 are used to provide lateral support to thegrid-like tubing/spacer array and not to provide water, the separationbetween spacers does not impact the water distribution uniformity. Incontrast, the tubing members 80 are preferably fairly close together toprovide uniform watering. Though the distance of separation betweenadjacent tubing members 80 may vary, the lateral distance between eachof the generally parallel multiple longitudinal perforated tubingmembers 80 is preferably in the range of 2 to 24 inches and is mostpreferably in the range of 4 to 12 inches.

Each of the spacers 90 has multiple straight portions 92 interspersedwith multiple partial-circular channels 95 accommodating a portion ofone of the tubing members 80. Each partial-circular channel 95 defines achannel having the shape of a partial circle with a top openingendpoints 97L, 97R defined by a chord connecting the endpoints of an arcof between 50 and 140 degrees. The diameter of the circle is equal to,or slightly larger than, the diameter of the longitudinal perforatedtubing members 80. The distance between the top opening endpoints 97L,97R is sufficient to allow the insertion of a segment of tubing member80; the segment of tubing member 80 is shown before insertion in FIGS. 6and 7 and is shown fully inserted in FIG. 8. The distance between thecenter of the circle of a first partial-circular channel 95 to thecenter of the circle of an adjacent partial-circular channel 95 is equalto the lateral distance between each of the generally parallel multiplelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80, so is preferably in the rangeof 2 inches to 24 inches.

Spacers 90 may be formed in a variety of ways, with the limitation thatpartial-circular channels 95 can be formed alternating with straightportions 92. Two exemplary aspects are shown in FIGS. 6-8.

In FIG. 6, in a first aspect, the spacers 90 may be formed of a thincircular rod material that is bent/formed to create a partial-circularchannel 95 between each of the straight portions 92. The bending/formingcreates top opening endpoints 97L, 97R between the ends of the straightportions 92 and the partial-circular channels 95. The rod material maybe a wire or thin rod. Suitable thin rod materials are, for example,stainless steel or aluminum wire, square or round aluminum or stainlesssteel rods or tubes, square or round plastic rods, and the like.

In a second aspect, shown in FIGS. 7-8, rectangular-type spacers 90 maybe formed of a rectangular rod with the partial-circular channels 95formed as depressions within the rod creating an opening in the spacertop surface 94 defined by top opening endpoints 97L, 97R. Thepartial-circular channels 95 may be formed within the rod (for example,formed integrally with a plastic rod) or cut out from the rod material(for example, with a metal rod). Each of the spacers 90 has a spacer topsurface 94, a spacer bottom surface 98, a spacer front surface 93, andan opposing spacer rear surface. Each of the partial-circular channels95 is a through channel extending through the rectangular rod from saidspacer front surface 93 to said spacer rear. The rectangular-type spacer90 may be formed of plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, or othermetal.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a roll 13 of the irrigation system 10.It is anticipated that the irrigation system 10 will be sold in rolls ofa pre-determined width and length based on considerations such asmanufacturing capabilities and efficiencies, transportation costs,warehouse and retail store shelf space considerations, storage space,and convenience for retail sales. Though roll 13 may be supplied in anyof a variety of lengths and widths, it is anticipated that the widthwill be in the range of 6 to 20 feet and that the length will be in therange of 25 to 200 feet, with the preferred width in the range of 8 to10 feet and the preferred length in the range of 50 to 125 feet.

For example, the manufacturer may wind a section of the pre-determinedwidth of irrigation system 10 on an axis to form a generally cylindricalroll 13. After forming the roll 13, it may be wrapped with plastic filmfor easy handling and may be shipped to a retail store or a constructioncompany warehouse. The roll 13 may then be paid out to provide therequired length for a particular purchaser or a specific application.

The roll 13 includes a pre-determined number of longitudinal perforatedtubing members 80 with a pre-determined number of lateral spacers 90.The roll 13 may also include proximal lateral fluid conduit 20, distallateral fluid conduit 40, and/or longitudinal fluid conduit 60. If theproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and distal lateral fluid conduit 40are not included, a restraining device may be used to hold the proximaland distal ends of the longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 inposition at the ends of roll 13 if needed for ease of shipping.Preferably proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 is included with roll 13,but the distal lateral fluid conduit 40 and longitudinal fluid conduit60 may be sold separately. For larger landscape formats, it isanticipated that proximal lateral fluid conduit 20, distal lateral fluidconduit 40, and/or longitudinal fluid conduit 60 may be sold withconduit apertures 38 (FIGS. 3-4) or integral tubing connectors (FIG. 5)disposed on opposite sides of the conduits 20, 40, 60. The provision ofdual-aperture and/or dual-connector conduits 20, 40, 60 will facilitatethe installation of adjacent tubing/spacer arrays of the firstembodiment or tubing/tubing arrays of the second embodiment, as will berequired when the size of the landscape format exceeds the size of theprovided roll 13.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the sub-surface irrigationsystem 10 of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar tothe first embodiment in that both create a grid-like pattern withredundant water supply provided to both the proximal end 81 and thedistal end 89 of the longitudinal perforated tubing members 80. In bothembodiments, the tubing proximal ends 81 are connected to a proximallateral fluid conduit 20, and the distal ends 89 are connected to adistal lateral fluid conduit 40. In both embodiments, the proximallateral fluid conduit 20 is fluidly connected to longitudinal fluidconduit 60, which is in turn fluidly connected to a distal lateral fluidconduit 40. The variation in the second embodiment, in contrast to thefirst embodiment, is in the lateral members of the grid-like pattern. Inthe first embodiment, the lateral members are spacers 90 (which create atubing/spacer array), but in the second embodiment, the lateral membersare lateral perforated tubing members 100 that are interwoven with thelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80 (which create a tubing/tubingarray).

Each of the multiple lateral perforated tubing members 100 have both afirst end 101 and a second end 109 connected to the longitudinal fluidconduit 60. Each lateral perforated tubing member 100 extends from thelongitudinal fluid conduit 60 outward from tubing-to-longitudinalconnector 70, weaving alternately over and under each of thelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80 beginning with thelongitudinal perforated tubing member 80 nearest the longitudinal fluidconduit 60. When the lateral perforated tubing member 100 is past thefurthest longitudinal perforated tubing members 80, the lateralperforated tubing member 100 is turned at tubing middle section 105; itis then woven alternately over and under each of the longitudinalperforated tubing members 80, beginning with the longitudinal perforatedtubing member 80 furthest from the longitudinal fluid conduit 60, andcontinuing back to the longitudinal perforated tubing member 80 nearestthe longitudinal fluid conduit 60. Then, the second end 109 of thelateral perforated tubing member 100 is connected to the samelongitudinal fluid conduit 60 at a second tubing-to-longitudinalconnector 70.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration of a roll 13 of the irrigationsystem 10 (not shown to scale, not shown at the full preferred width andlength). For practical purposes of transportation, shipping, andmarketing, as in the first embodiment, sections of irrigation system 10of the second embodiment of a pre-determined width and pre-determinedlength may be produced and wound into a roll 13. As in the firstembodiment, though roll 13 may be supplied in any of a variety oflengths and widths, it is anticipated that the width might be in therange of 6 to 12 feet, and that the length might be in the range of 25to 100 feet.

The roll 13 of the irrigation system 10 includes both the multiplelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80 and the multiple lateralperforated tubing members 100. Optionally, the roll 13 may also includeproximal lateral fluid conduit 20, distal lateral fluid conduit 40,and/or longitudinal fluid conduit 60. If the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20, distal lateral fluid conduit 40, and/or longitudinal fluidconduit 60 are not included, a restraining device may optionally be usedto hold the proximal ends 81 and/or distal ends 89 of the longitudinalperforated tubing members 80 and/or the first ends 101 and second ends109 of the lateral perforated tubing members 100 in position at the endsand left side of roll 13 for shipping.

FIG. 10 shows a combination of elements of the irrigation system 10 inwhich multiple tubing/tubing arrays 51, 52, 53, 54 have been purchased,modified, and joined with additional elements of the irrigation system10 to create a conformed irrigation unit 11 that is sized and configuredto provide water to a specific landscape format, which is defined bylawn edging 19. When conforming the multiple tubing/tubing arrays 51,52, 53, 54 to fit the particular landscape format, some of the ends ofthe tubing 80, 100 and conduits 20, 40, 60 will necessarily be cut. Inany application of the irrigation system 10, the user must attend to anycut ends to prevent water from flowing out of the open ends. Examples ofmeans and methods to address the cut ends are shown in the detail viewof FIG. 11. When possible, it is preferred that the cut ends be joinedvia a tubing joiner 88 (or, if dealing with three or four cut ends, withone of the angled connectors of FIGS. 16-23); this optimizes theredundancy of the irrigation system 10. The tubing joiner 88 may be anyconventional tubing connector; it is shown as a double male connector.Depending on the configuration needed to fit the landscape format, attimes the cut ends will need to be closed off. Examples of closuremechanisms include a tube closure or line plug 87 (sometimes called a“goof plug”), a kinked line hose end closure 84 (sometimes called a“figure eight”), and other similar conventional termination fittings.

The detail view of FIG. 12 shows portions of two tubing/tubing arrays 51and 54. The proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 of tubing/tubing array 51is connected via a four-way waterline-to-system connector 15 to theproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 of tubing/tubing array 54. A singlelongitudinal fluid conduit 60 and a waterline 16 from a water resource(such as from a valve in an irrigation system) are also attached to thefour-way waterline-to-system connector 15.

In the tubing/tubing array 51 of FIG. 12, the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 is connected via tubing-to-lateral connector 30 to theproximal ends 81 of the longitudinal perforated tubing members 80. Alsoseen in the tubing/tubing array 51, the lateral tubing first ends 101and second ends 109 are connected via a tubing-to-longitudinal connector70 to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60.

In FIG. 12, compared to the positioning of tubing/tubing array 51,tubing/tubing array 54 is shown in a flipped or inverted position, andboth the lateral tubing first and second ends 101, 109 of tubing/tubingarray 51 and the lateral tubing first and second ends 101, 109 oftubing/tubing array 54 are connected to the same longitudinal fluidconduit 60. Therefore, two sets of tubing 100 are connected to oppositesides of the longitudinal fluid conduit 60—the lateral tubing first ends101 and second ends 109 of the tubing/tubing array 51 are shownconnected to the right side and the lateral tubing first ends 101 andsecond ends 109 of the tubing/tubing array 54 are shown connected to theleft side. To facilitate easy installation, a longitudinal fluid conduit60 with dual opposing rows of aperture 38 is preferably provided foruse.

As in tubing/tubing array 51, in tubing/tubing array 54 the proximallateral fluid conduit 20 is connected to the proximal ends 81 of thelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80.

The third embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 13. The third embodiment issimilar to the first embodiment in that the proximal ends 81 and thedistal ends 89 of the longitudinal tubing 80 are attached to theproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and the distal lateral fluid conduit40, respectively. The third embodiment varies from the first embodimentin that the longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 are curved insteadof substantially parallel and in that the spacers are clip-type spacers77. As seen in FIG. 13, a larger clip-type spacer 77 is provided tosecure the left curves of the longitudinal tubing member 80 that isnearest the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 to the longitudinal fluidconduit 60. Smaller clip-type spacers 77 secure alternating curves of aparticular longitudinal tubing members 80. The right curves of alongitudinal tubing member 80 are secured to the left curves of thelongitudinal tubing member 80 directly to the right, while the leftcurves of the particular longitudinal tubing member 80 are secured tothe right curves of the longitudinal tubing member 80 directly to theleft. The clip-type spacers 77 may be c-shaped and formed of wire orthin rod material; they may be metal or plastic.

FIG. 13 also illustrates that it is not necessary to connect thewaterline 16 at the intersection of proximal lateral fluid conduit 20and longitudinal fluid conduit 60, as shown in the other figures, butthe waterline (providing water from an irrigation control valve) may beattached to any of the conduits 20, 40, or 60. The waterline 16 may beconnected in the location deemed by the installer to be the mostconvenient, which may be at the ends, intersections or middle of any ofthe conduits 20, 40, or 60. In general, the location of the valve towhich the waterline 16 is connected and the distance the waterline 16will need to be run to reach one of the conduit 20, 40, or 60 willlikely affect the installer's choice. In FIG. 13, the waterline 16 isshown connected to the intersection of conduit 40 and 60.

The fourth embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14. The fourth embodimentis similar to the first and third embodiments in that the proximal ends81 and the distal ends 89 of the longitudinal tubing members 80 areattached to the proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and the distal lateralfluid conduit 40, respectively. The fourth embodiment varies from thefirst embodiment in that the sections of longitudinal tubing members 80are curved instead of parallel and in that an additionalconduit-to-tubing clasp (or the larger clip-type spacer 77 of FIG. 13)is used to secure the left curves of the innermost longitudinal tubingmembers 80 to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60. Optionally, in thisembodiment and other embodiments with spacers, all spacers 90 may beconnected to longitudinal fluid conduit 60 to provide additionalstability.

The fifth embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 15. The fifth embodiment issimilar to the second embodiments, but provides a variation in thelongitudinal tubing members 80. In contrast to the longitudinal tubingmembers 80 of the second embodiment, the tubing members of this fifthembodiment are diagonal tubing members 85, 86. Each of the diagonaltubing members 85, 86 is connected to the proximal lateral fluid conduit20 and/or the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 at a 45 degree angle. Thediagonal tubing members 85 connect directly between the proximal lateralfluid conduit 20 and the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 or between thedistal lateral fluid conduit 40 and the longitudinal fluid conduit 60.The diagonal tubing members 86 connect to the proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 or to the longitudinal fluid conduit 60, and then extendoutwardly and return to attach to the same proximal lateral fluidconduit 20 or longitudinal fluid conduit 60 from which they extended.(Optionally, a single diagonal tubing member 86 can connect near theinner corner of the proximal lateral fluid conduit 20, extend outwardly,and then return to connect to the inner corner of the longitudinal fluidconduit 60.)

The angled connectors shown in FIGS. 16-23 exemplify connectors that maybe utilized as termination connectors usable with any of the embodimentsof the present invention or with conventional irrigation systems.Depending on the shape of the landscape format, it may be preferable tojoin two, three or four of the cut ends of the longitudinal tubingmembers 80 and/or the cut ends of the lateral tubing members 100 withone of the angled connectors presented in FIGS. 16-23. For example, ifthe distal ends 89 of three longitudinal tubing members 80 extend overthe edge of the landscape format—thus needing to be cut—they may bejoined by the 15-15-degree convex connector of FIG. 19, therebypreserving the redundant water provision to all three longitudinaltubing members 80. The angled connectors allow connection of three orfour tubing members 80, 100 in a manner that accommodates any of a widevariety of situations.

The method of installing the irrigation system 10 will now be discussedin relation to both the first and second embodiments; similar methodswould be utilized to install the other embodiments. In general, if thelandscape format is wider than the width of one of the provided arrays(tubing/spacer array or tubing/tubing array), an additional array may beadded laterally by extending the lateral fluid conduit 20, 40 with oneor more additional lateral fluid conduits 20, 40. And, if the landscapeformat is longer than the length of one of the provided arrays, one ormore additional arrays may be added longitudinally by adding one or morelongitudinal fluid conduits 60 to the first longitudinal fluid conduit60. Optionally, the provided proximal lateral fluid conduits 20, distallateral fluid conduits 40, and/or longitudinal fluid conduits 60 may bepre-configured with dual conduit apertures 38 (FIGS. 3-4) or dualintegral tubing connectors (FIG. 5) disposed on opposite sides of theconduits 20, 40 and/or 60. This will allow multiple tubing/spacer arraysor tubing/tubing arrays to be readily installed without the need for theinstaller to create apertures 38 on the side of the conduit 20, 40and/or 60 opposing the first set of apertures 38 or integral tubingconnectors.

The first embodiment of the irrigation system 10 of FIGS. 1-8 may beinstalled by obtaining a tubing/spacer array of a pre-determined widthand length (having a particular number of the longitudinal perforatedtubing members 80 joined by a particular number of lateral spacers 90).It will be assumed that the tubing/spacer array has been providedwithout lateral conduits 20, 40 or longitudinal conduit 60, though thesecould be pre-attached in the provided tubing/spacer grid. The width ofthe tubing/spacer array may be determined by the width of the roll 13that is available to the user.

The provided tubing/spacer array is placed on the ground in the area ofthe lawn to be watered. Any portions of the spacers 90 or of thelongitudinal tubing members 80 that extend over the edges of thelandscape format (shown as lawn-edging 19 in FIG. 1) are cut. A proximallateral fluid conduit 20 is obtained, and the tubing proximal ends 81 oflongitudinal tubing members 80 are connected to it via tubing-to-lateralconnector 30.

A longitudinal fluid conduit 60 and a distal lateral fluid conduit 40are obtained. The first end of the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 isfluidly connected to a first end of the proximal lateral fluid conduit20 via a first lateral-to-longitudinal connector, shown in FIG. 1 as apart of waterline-to-system connector 15 and shown in FIG. 13 asconnector 35. The second end of the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 isfluidly connected to a first end of the distal lateral fluid conduit 40via the second lateral-to-longitudinal connector 75. The distal ends 89of the longitudinal tubing members 80 are fluidly connected viatubing-to-lateral connectors 30 to distal lateral fluid conduit 40. Thewater source is connected to the first proximal lateral fluid conduit 20via a waterline-to-system connector 15. Though not shown in FIG. 1, ifthere are tubing ends that have been cut to fit the landscape format,they may be joined or terminated as shown in FIG. 12.

If multiple tubing/spacer arrays are needed to cover the lawn area to bewatered, a second proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 may be connected toa first proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and/or a second distal lateralfluid conduit 40 may be attached to the first distal lateral fluidconduit 40 and/or a second longitudinal fluid conduit 60 may be attachedto the first longitudinal fluid conduit 60. The finished conformedirrigation unit is then covered with a few inches of soil, such as from1.5 to 12 inches, but preferably from 2 to 4 inches.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary installation method of the secondembodiment of the irrigation system 10 will now be discussed. Fourtubing/tubing arrays 51, 52, 53, 54, having a particular number of thelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80 interwoven with a particularnumber of lateral perforated tubing members 100 are obtained. Though itis assumed in this description that the tubing/tubing arrays 51, 52, 53,54 have been provided without lateral conduits 20, 40 or longitudinalconduit 60, optionally these may arrive from the fabricator or merchantpre-connected. The width of the tubing/tubing arrays 51, 52, 53, 54 maybe determined by the width of the roll 13 that is available to the user.

The first tubing/tubing array 51 is placed on the ground in the area ofthe lawn to be watered. Any portions of the longitudinal tubing 80 orthe lateral tubing 100 that extend over the edges of the landscapeformat (shown as lawn-edging 19 in FIG. 10) are cut.

A first proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 is obtained, and the tubingproximal ends 81 of the longitudinal tubing members 80 are connected toit via tubing-to-lateral connector 30.

A longitudinal fluid conduit 60 and a distal lateral fluid conduit 40are obtained. The first end of the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 isfluidly connected to a first end of the proximal lateral fluid conduit20 via a first lateral-to-longitudinal connector, shown in FIG. 10 as apart of a four-way waterline-to-system connector 15. The second end ofthe longitudinal fluid conduit 60 is fluidly connected to a first end ofthe distal lateral fluid conduit 40 via the secondlateral-to-longitudinal connector 75. The distal ends 89 of thelongitudinal tubing members 80 are fluidly connected viatubing-to-lateral connectors 30 to distal lateral fluid conduit 40. Thelateral tubing first ends 101 and second ends 109 are fluidly attachedto the longitudinal fluid conduit 60.

Because in this example the provided first tubing/tubing array 51 is notlong enough alone to cover the landscape format, the secondtubing/tubing array 52 is positioned distally from the firsttubing/tubing array 51. The tubing proximal ends 81 of this secondtubing/tubing array 52 are connected to the distal lateral fluid conduit40, but on the opposite side of the distal lateral fluid conduit 40 fromthe tubing distal ends 89 of the first tubing/tubing array 51. Thedistal ends 89 of the tubing 80 of the second tubing/tubing array 52 arecut to fit within the lawn-edging 19; these cut distal tubing ends 89may be joined or terminated as shown in FIG. 12 or with one of theangled connectors of FIGS. 16-23, but are shown as joined by tubingjoiner 88.

Additionally, a second longitudinal fluid conduit 60 is fluidly attachedvia a longitudinal-to-longitudinal connector 56 to the firstlongitudinal fluid conduit 60. The first ends 101 and second ends 109 ofeach of the multiple lateral perforated tubing members 100 of the secondtubing/tubing array 52 are attached to the second longitudinal fluidconduit 60. The cut ends of middle portions 105 of the tubing 100 of thesecond tubing/tubing array 52 may be joined or terminated as shown inFIG. 12 or with one of the angled connectors of FIGS. 16-23, but areshown as joined by tubing joiner 88.

Because the first tubing/tubing array 51 and the connected secondtubing/tubing array 52 are not wide enough to cover the landscapeformat, the third and fourth tubing/tubing arrays 53, 54 are positionedlaterally from the first and second tubing/tubing arrays 51, 52. Both ofthe third and fourth tubing/tubing arrays 53, 54 are inverted orflipped, with the first ends 101 and second ends 109 of each of themultiple lateral perforated tubing members 100 of the third and fourthtubing/tubing arrays 53, 54 attached to the opposing side of the firstand second longitudinal fluid conduits 60. The conduits 20, 40, 60 maybe terminated with terminal fittings 25, 65. Various other cuts,connections, joining, and terminations are made, as necessitated by thelandscape format. In an instance (not shown) when the landscape formatis wider or longer than the width of two of the provided tubing/tubingarrays, additional tubing/tubing arrays may be added laterally byextending the two proximal lateral fluid conduits 20 with one or moreadditional proximal lateral fluid conduits 20 or may be addedlongitudinally by extending the two longitudinal fluid conduits 60 withone or more additional longitudinal fluid conduits 60.

The proximal lateral fluid conduit 20, distal lateral fluid conduit 40,and longitudinal fluid conduit 60 may be formed of flexible PVC pipe,metal pipe, tubing hose-like material, or other conventional irrigationpipe. If the longitudinal fluid conduit 60 is sold connected to theproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 and/or distal lateral fluid conduit40, a flexible type of pipe will be needed if the system is to betransported in a roll 13 configuration.

The longitudinal and lateral perforated tubing members 80, 100 arepreferably formed of a porous material that emits or seeps water alongthe length of the tubing members. A preferred type of tubing is thetubing generally referred to as “soaker hose” that allows the water toseep out through the tubing walls. However, other types of tubing withsmall holes allowing water to slowly discharge may optionally be used.

Though the irrigation system 10 has been discussed in relation toapplying water to grassy areas, it also facilitates application ofwater-soluble weed preventers, fertilizers (man-made, natural, ororganic), and other lawn treatments. A fitting can be installed upstreamof the connection of waterline 16 to one of the conduits 20, 40, or 60that allows introduction of a water-based lawn treatment, which willthen be evenly distributed to the grassy area with the waterapplication.

The sub-surface irrigation system 10 provides advantages such as thefollowing:

1. water is applied below the surface of the soil, thereby minimizingevaporation and runoff;

2. water is applied to the base of the plant, keeping the leaves of theplants dry, thereby minimizing mildew;

3. there are no above-ground sprinkler heads to break;

4. the sub-surface application minimizes freezing danger;

5. the sub-surface application eliminates wind spray and overspray;

6. the system 10 is easy to install; and

7. the system 10 relies on only three fluid conduits (two lateral andone longitudinal), thus reducing the cost of the system compared toconventional systems using four fluid conduits (two lateral and twolongitudinal).

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practicedin the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An irrigation tubing system, comprising:multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 each of which have atubing first end 81 and a tubing distal end 89; multiple lateralperforated tubing members 100 each of which have a tubing first end 101and a tubing second end 109; a proximal lateral fluid conduit 20attached to said tubing proximal ends 81 of each of said multiplelongitudinal perforated tubing members 80; a distal lateral fluidconduit 40 attached to said tubing distal ends 89 of each of saidmultiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80; and a longitudinalfluid conduit 60 having a longitudinal conduit first end 61 attached tosaid proximal lateral fluid conduit 20, a longitudinal conduit secondend 69 attached to said distal lateral fluid conduit 40, and having eachof said tubing first ends 101 and said tubing distal ends 109 attachedalong the longitudinal length of said longitudinal fluid conduit 60;wherein said multiple lateral perforated tubing members 100 areinterwoven with said multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80.2. The irrigation tubing system as recited in claim 1, wherein: each ofsaid multiple longitudinal perforated tubing members 80 is disposed from2 to 24 inches from an adjacent one of said multiple longitudinalperforated tubing members 80; and each of said multiple lateralperforated tubing members 100 is disposed from 2 to 24 inches from anadjacent one of said multiple lateral perforated tubing members
 100. 3.A method of installing an irrigation tubing system, comprising:obtaining a first woven tubing/tubing array of multiple perforated firstlongitudinal tubing members 80 and multiple lateral perforated firstlateral tubing members 100; wherein each of said longitudinal firsttubing members 80 has a longitudinal tubing first end 81 and alongitudinal tubing distal end 89; wherein each of said lateralperforated first tubing members 100 has a lateral tubing first end 101,a lateral tubing second end 109, and a lateral tubing middle portion105; wherein each of said tubing first ends 101 and said tubing secondends 109 are attached to, and in fluid communication with, a firstlongitudinal fluid conduit 60; attaching said tubing first ends 81 ofeach of said multiple longitudinal first tubing members 80 to a firstproximal lateral fluid conduit 20 in a manner to provide fluidcommunication; and attaching said tubing distal ends 89 of each of saidmultiple longitudinal perforated first tubing members 80 to a firstdistal lateral fluid conduit 40 in a manner to provide fluidcommunication.
 4. The method of installing an irrigation tubing systemas recited in claim 3 further comprising cutting at least one of saidlongitudinal tubing distal ends 89 or one of said tubing middle portions105 to accommodate a landscape format.
 5. The method of installing anirrigation tubing system as recited in claim 4 further comprising:cutting at least one of said tubing middle portions 105 to accommodate alandscape format; and using a joining connector to join a first cut endof said at least one of said tubing middle portions 105 to a second cutend of said at least one of said tubing middle portions
 105. 6. Themethod of installing an irrigation tubing system as recited in claim 3further comprising: cutting at least two of said longitudinal tubingdistal ends 89 to accommodate a landscape format; and using a joiningconnector to join a first one of said at least two of said longitudinaltubing distal ends 89 to a second one of said at least two of saidlongitudinal tubing distal ends
 89. 7. The method of installing anirrigation tubing system as recited in claim 3 further comprising:cutting at least one of said tubing middle portions 105 to accommodate alandscape format; using an ending connector on a first cut end of saidat least one of said tubing middle portions 105 to stop fluid flow; andusing an ending connector on a second cut end of said at least one ofsaid tubing middle portions 105 to stop fluid flow.
 8. The method ofinstalling an irrigation tubing system as recited in claim 3 furthercomprising: cutting at least one of said longitudinal tubing distal ends89 to accommodate a landscape format; and applying an ending connectorto said at least one of said longitudinal tubing distal ends 89 to stopfluid flow.
 9. The method of installing an irrigation tubing system asrecited in claim 3 further comprising: obtaining a second woventubing/tubing array of multiple perforated longitudinal second tubingmembers 80 and multiple lateral perforated second tubing members 100;wherein each of said longitudinal second tubing members 80 has alongitudinal tubing first end 81 and a longitudinal tubing distal end89; wherein each of said lateral perforated second tubing members 100has a lateral tubing first end 101, a lateral tubing second end 109, anda lateral tubing middle portion 105; obtaining a second proximal lateralfluid conduit 20; obtaining a second distal lateral fluid conduit 40;attaching said tubing first ends 81 of each of said multiplelongitudinal second tubing members 80 to said second proximal lateralfluid conduit 20 in a manner to provide fluid communication; attachingsaid tubing distal ends 89 of each of said multiple longitudinalperforated second tubing members 80 to said second distal lateral fluidconduit 40 in a manner to provide fluid communication; attaching each ofsaid lateral tubing first ends 101 of said lateral perforated secondtubing members 100 and said tubing second ends 109 of said lateralperforated second tubing members 100 to an opposing side of said firstlongitudinal fluid conduit, wherein said opposing side is the sideopposite the side to which each of said lateral tubing first ends 101 ofsaid lateral perforated first tubing members 100 and said tubing secondends 109 of said lateral perforated first tubing members 100 areattached; connecting said first proximal lateral fluid conduit 20 tosaid second proximal lateral fluid conduit 20; and connecting said firstdistal lateral fluid conduit 40 to said second distal lateral fluidconduit
 40. 10. The method of installing an irrigation tubing system asrecited in claim 9 further comprising: obtaining a third woventubing/tubing array of multiple perforated longitudinal third tubingmembers 80 and multiple lateral perforated third tubing members 100;wherein each of said longitudinal third tubing members 80 has alongitudinal tubing first end 81 and a longitudinal tubing distal end89; wherein each of said lateral perforated third tubing members 100 hasa lateral tubing first end 101, a lateral tubing second end 109, and alateral tubing middle portion 105; obtaining a second longitudinal fluidconduit 60; obtaining a third distal lateral fluid conduit 40; attachingsaid tubing first ends 81 of each of said multiple longitudinal thirdtubing members 80 to said second distal lateral fluid conduit 40 in amanner to provide fluid communication; attaching said tubing distal ends89 of each of said multiple longitudinal perforated third tubing members80 to said third distal lateral fluid conduit 40 in a manner to providefluid communication; attaching each of said lateral tubing first ends101 of said lateral perforated third tubing members 100 and said tubingsecond ends 109 of said lateral perforated third tubing members 100 tosaid second longitudinal fluid conduit 60; connecting said secondlongitudinal fluid conduit 60 to said first longitudinal fluid conduit60; and connecting said second longitudinal fluid conduit 60 to saidthird distal lateral fluid conduit 40.